Joan Elizabeth Hale

Bend, Oregon Lifelong Central Oregon resident Joan Hale passed away peacefully at the family home in Bend surrounded by her family, her cat and the family dogs. Joan was born in Bend to John and Josephine Helfrich .They homesteaded the area around Brothers and owned the original store and post office. Life was an adventure for Joan and many stories of her early life were vivid memories to her in the last years of her life. She had to leave the security of her family to come to Bend to attend high school, and lived for a time above the Pine Tavern, and she told stories of the cooks leaving her a supper each night on the stairwell. She was a Swan Princess in the water pageant and a local rodeo princess. She graduated from Bend High School. Shortly after high school she met and married D. Delbert Hale in Bend and became active in the lumber community where her husband worked in management. She joined the Bend Study club, played bridge, golfed, skied, hiked, fly fished and gardened. Joan and Del, along with others, had the first use permit for what would later become Mt Bachelor. She entertained many travelers, musicians, and politicians that came to Bend, opening her home to them at a time when skin color determined with whom and where you could stay. She believed all people deserve respect! Before the birth of their first and only child, Joan and Del continued to love the Cascade Lakes, building a small cabin themselves at Elk Lake, and it was with great sadness her health forced the sale of that beloved cabin when she could no longer enjoy it. She was active in community affairs, fund raising for the new hospital, the League of Women Voters, The Bend Study Club, Campfire, and the Red Cross. In 1959, she had her first and only child, Susan. In 1970 the family started raising Arabian Horses and in 1973 Joan became one of the first women realtors in Bend. Her success led to many awards and she continued to earn additional specialist designations thru out her long career. She retired in 2008. Joan is survived by her daughter Susan Long, son in law, Jim Long of Bend, grand sons, Thomas and Andrew Long, niece Carol Yetter and family of Independence, OR, her sister Barbara Rock and family of Burien, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Del, brothers John, Tom, and Paul. Joan loved to laugh and had a quick wit even when dementia robbed her of recent memories. At her request, no service will be held. For her love of all things feathered and furry, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Central Oregon. The family would like to thank all those involved in her care, Dr Brenda Johnson, St Charles Hospice, especially nurses Geia, Cindy, and social service Sarah for making it possible for her wish to remain at home a reality. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

Tributes

Joan Elizabeth Hale

October 13, 1919 - December 9, 2014